Gov 312L: Module 3: Grand Strategy I and Isolationism

What is grand strategy?

A big-picture worldview that guides foreign policy by matching means (resources/tools) with ends (goals/interests). It defines U.S. national interests, threats, role in world order, and preferred policy tools.

Does grand strategy have any relationship with domestic partisanship?

Yes — like partisan ideology in domestic politics, grand strategy provides an ideological framework for foreign policy debates.

What are the components of grand strategy?

• National Interests → What matters most to the U.S.

• Main Threats → Who/what is the enemy.

• Policy Instruments → Military vs. diplomacy, multilateral vs. unilateral.

How can components of grand strategy be used to differentiate among varieties of strategy?

Different grand strategies define interests, threats, and tools differently (e.g., Isolationism prioritizes homeland security only, while Primacy seeks global dominance).

What are some of the central policy claims and arguments in Obama’s 2014 West Point Speech?

• U.S. still “indispensable nation,” but must lead wisely.

• Rejects isolationism (too passive) and primacy (too militarized).

• Military force as last resort; prefer diplomacy, alliances, sanctions.

• Counterterrorism via local partners, not large U.S. deployments.

• Strengthen international institutions and uphold norms.

• Promote democracy, human rights, and development.

In what ways is Obama’s West Point Speech a statement of grand strategy?

Defines interests (U.S. security, allies, democracy), threats (terrorism, Russia, China, instability), and tools (diplomacy, alliances, selective force). Overall = restrained leadership, selective engagement, partnerships.

What is isolationism?

A grand strategy that avoids foreign entanglements, wars, and alliances, focusing only on defending the homeland.

What are historical examples of isolationism?

• Washington’s Farewell Address (1796): warned against permanent alliances.

• 1920s Republicans: demobilization, limited global role.

• Post-Cold War & Trump era: resurgence of isolationist ideas.

What is Restraint as a grand strategy?

• U.S. is secure (geography + nukes) and doesn’t need global dominance.

• Cut back military commitments and overseas deployments.

• Reduce alliance obligations, focus on avoiding great-power war.

• U.S. should be a “first among equals”, not world policeman.

What are Restraint’s critiques of Liberal Internationalism and Primacy?

• Iraq/Afghanistan = costly failures.

• Overreach = endless wars and backlash.

• Allies free-ride on U.S. security guarantees.

According to Ashford, what are some policy successes associated with Restraint?

• U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

• Congress limiting support for Saudi war in Yemen.

• Biden reviewing sanctions and global force posture.

• Growing mainstream acceptance of Restraint.

Which domestic groups in the U.S. support Restraint?

A bipartisan/transpartisan coalition:

• Progressives (Sanders, AOC).

• Libertarians (Rand Paul).

• Some conservatives (Matt Gaetz, veterans).

• Academics and anti-interventionists.